U.S. patent application number 17/563298 was filed with the patent office on 2022-04-21 for dishwasher with drain assembly and check valve.
The applicant listed for this patent is WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Matthew Jerel Jaske, Todd Michael Jozwiak, John Alan Miller, Antony M. Rappette.
Application Number | 20220117460 17/563298 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000006055819 |
Filed Date | 2022-04-21 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20220117460 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Jaske; Matthew Jerel ; et
al. |
April 21, 2022 |
DISHWASHER WITH DRAIN ASSEMBLY AND CHECK VALVE
Abstract
A check valve assembly for a drain pump configured to transfer
fluid from a sump, through a volute having a pump discharge
passageway extending from the volute, includes a seat assembly and
a flapper assembly. The seat assembly has a body with a first
distal end and a second distal end, and a fluid passage extending
through the body. The body defines a valve seat having a sealing
surface about the fluid passage. The flapper assembly is operably
coupled to the seat assembly. The flapper assembly has a moveable
portion configured to selectively move between a closed position
where the moveable portion seals against the sealing surface and an
opened position where the moveable portion raises to allow liquid
through the fluid passage. The check valve assembly is configured
to be located within the pump discharge passageway.
Inventors: |
Jaske; Matthew Jerel;
(Berrien Springs, MI) ; Rappette; Antony M.;
(Benton Harbor, MI) ; Miller; John Alan;
(Stevensville, MI) ; Jozwiak; Todd Michael;
(Benton Harbor, MI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION |
Benton Harbor |
MI |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000006055819 |
Appl. No.: |
17/563298 |
Filed: |
December 28, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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16268846 |
Feb 6, 2019 |
11241139 |
|
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17563298 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47L 15/4225 20130101;
A47L 15/4223 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47L 15/42 20060101
A47L015/42 |
Claims
1. A check valve assembly for a drain pump configured to transfer
fluid from a sump, through a volute having a pump discharge
passageway extending from the volute, the check valve assembly
comprising: a seat assembly having a body with a first distal end
and a second distal end that forms at least a portion of a geometry
of the volute such that a profile of the volute is not round, a
fluid passage extending through the body, the body defining a valve
seat having a sealing surface about the fluid passage; and a
flapper assembly operably coupled to the seat assembly and having a
moveable portion configured to selectively move between a closed
position where the moveable portion seals against the sealing
surface and an opened position where the moveable portion raises to
allow liquid through the fluid passage; wherein the check valve
assembly is configured to be located within the pump discharge
passageway downstream of the drain pump.
2. The check valve assembly of claim 1 wherein the pump discharge
passageway is fluidly coupled with a discharge outlet, and further
wherein the pump discharge passageway is configured to receive the
discharge outlet in the form of a drain hose.
3. The check valve assembly of claim 2 wherein the first distal end
extends lengthwise beyond the valve seat to define an extension
that is configured to prevent insertion of the drain hose past the
first distal end within the pump discharge passageway.
4. The check valve assembly of claim 3 wherein the extension has a
length that is at least even with an extent of the moveable portion
when it is located in the opened position.
5. The check valve assembly of claim 3 wherein the extension is
concave.
6. The check valve assembly of claim 1 wherein an outside profile
of the body of the seat assembly further includes a catch and the
flapper assembly further includes a ring configured to be retained
within the catch and wherein the moveable portion is operably
coupled to the ring via a hinge.
7. The check valve assembly of claim 6 wherein the outside profile
of the body of the seat assembly further comprises an alignment
feature configured to aid in placement of the check valve assembly
within the pump discharge passageway.
8. The check valve assembly of claim 7 wherein the alignment
feature comprises a first contour that is complementary to a second
contour within a portion of the pump discharge passageway.
9. The check valve assembly of claim 1 wherein an outside profile
of the body of the seat assembly further comprises an alignment
feature configured to aid in placement of the check valve assembly
within the pump discharge passageway.
10. The check valve assembly of claim 9 wherein the pump discharge
passageway includes a contour complementary to the alignment
feature.
11. The check valve assembly of claim 1 wherein the sump is defined
by a peripheral wall extending upwards from a base and wherein a
portion of the volute lies below a plane defined by the base.
12. The check valve assembly of claim 1 wherein the volute further
comprises a surface having an air vent passageway defined
therethrough.
13. A check valve assembly for a drain pump configured to transfer
fluid from a sump, through a volute having a pump discharge
passageway extending from the volute, the check valve assembly
comprising: a seat assembly having a body with a first distal end
and a second distal end, a fluid passage extending through the
body, the body defining a valve seat having a sealing surface about
the fluid passage; and a flapper assembly operably coupled to the
seat assembly and having a moveable portion configured to
selectively move between a closed position where the moveable
portion seals against the sealing surface and an opened position
where the moveable portion raises to allow liquid through the fluid
passage; wherein the check valve assembly is configured to be
located within the pump discharge passageway and at least one of:
the first distal end extends lengthwise beyond the valve seat to
define an extension that is configured to prevent insertion of a
drain hose past the first distal end within the pump discharge
passageway, the second distal end forms a portion of a geometry of
the volute such that a profile of the volute is not round, or the
seat assembly further includes a catch and the flapper assembly
further includes a ring configured to be retained within the catch
and wherein the moveable portion is operably coupled to the ring
via a hinge.
14. The check valve assembly of claim 13 wherein the first distal
end extends lengthwise beyond the valve seat and is configured to
prevent insertion of the drain hose past the first distal end
within the pump discharge passageway, the second distal end forms
the portion of the geometry of the volute, and the seat assembly
further includes the catch and the flapper assembly further
includes the ring configured to be retained within the catch and
wherein the moveable portion is operably coupled to the ring via
the hinge.
15. The check valve assembly of claim 13 wherein the second distal
end forms a portion of the geometry of the volute geometry that
extends at least partially around an inlet of the pump discharge
passageway.
16. The check valve assembly of claim 13 wherein the portion of the
geometry of the volute that is formed such that the profile of the
volute is not round is at the second distal end.
17. The check valve assembly of claim 13 wherein a perimeter
portion of the body of the seat assembly further comprises an
alignment feature configured to aid in placement of the check valve
assembly within the pump discharge passageway.
18. The check valve assembly of claim 17 wherein the alignment
feature comprises a first contour that is complementary to a second
contour within the pump discharge passageway.
19. The check valve assembly of claim 13 wherein the extension has
a length that is at least even with an extent of the moveable
portion when it is located in the opened position.
20. The check valve assembly of claim 19 wherein the extension is
concave.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a divisional application of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 16/268,846, filed Feb. 6, 2019, now allowed,
which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Conventional dishwashers perform cycles of operation on
items present in the dishwasher, and have a drain assembly that
drains fluids from a sump of the dishwasher to a discharge
outlet.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION
[0003] An aspect of the disclosure relates to a check valve
assembly for a drain pump configured to transfer fluid from a sump,
through a volute having a pump discharge passageway extending from
the volute, the check valve assembly comprising a seat assembly
having a body with a first distal end and a second distal end that
forms at least a portion of a geometry of the volute such that a
profile of the volute is not round, a fluid passage extending
through the body, the body defining a valve seat having a sealing
surface about the fluid passage, and a flapper assembly operably
coupled to the seat assembly and having a moveable portion
configured to selectively move between a closed position where the
moveable portion seals against the sealing surface and an opened
position where the moveable portion raises to allow liquid through
the fluid passage, wherein the check valve assembly is configured
to be located within the pump discharge passageway downstream of
the drain pump.
[0004] Another aspect of the disclosure relates to a check valve
assembly for a drain pump configured to transfer fluid from a sump,
through a volute having a pump discharge passageway extending from
the volute, the check valve assembly including a seat assembly
having a body with a first distal end and a second distal end, a
fluid passage extending through the body, the body defining a valve
seat having a sealing surface about the fluid passage, and a
flapper assembly operably coupled to the seat assembly and having a
moveable portion configured to selectively move between a closed
position where the moveable portion seals against the sealing
surface and an opened position where the moveable portion raises to
allow liquid through the fluid passage, wherein the check valve
assembly is configured to be located within the pump discharge
passageway and at least one of: the first distal end extends
lengthwise beyond the valve seat to define an extension that is
configured to prevent insertion of a drain hose past the first
distal end within the pump discharge passageway, the second distal
end forms a portion of a geometry of the volute such that a profile
of the volute is not round, or the seat assembly further includes a
catch and the flapper assembly further includes a ring configured
to be retained within the catch and wherein the moveable portion is
operably coupled to the ring via a hinge.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] In the drawings:
[0006] FIG. 1 is a right-side perspective view of an automatic
dishwasher having multiple systems for implementing an automatic
cycle of operation.
[0007] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the dishwasher of FIG. 1 and
illustrating at least some of the plumbing and electrical
connections between at least some of systems.
[0008] FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a controller of the dishwasher
of FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0009] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a portion of a sump assembly
and drain assembly that can be utilized in the dishwasher of FIG.
1.
[0010] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a check valve
assembly that can be used in the drain assembly of FIG. 4.
[0011] FIG. 6 is cross-sectional view of the assembled check valve
assembly of FIG. 5.
[0012] FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of the assembled check
valve assembly of FIG. 5.
[0013] FIG. 8 is a partial perspective view of a portion of the
sump assembly and drain assembly of FIG. 4.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0014] FIG. 1 illustrates an automatic dishwasher 10 capable of
implementing an automatic cycle of operation to treat dishes. As
used in this description, the term "dish(es)" is intended to be
generic to any item, single or plural, that can be treated in the
dishwasher 10, including, without limitation, dishes, plates, pots,
bowls, pans, glassware, and silverware. As illustrated, the
dishwasher 10 is a built-in dishwasher implementation, which is
designed for mounting under a countertop. However, this description
is applicable to other dishwasher implementations such as a
stand-alone, drawer-type or a sink-type, for example.
[0015] The dishwasher 10 has a variety of systems, some of which
are controllable, to implement the automatic cycle of operation. A
chassis is provided to support the variety of systems needed to
implement the automatic cycle of operation. As illustrated, for a
built-in implementation, the chassis includes a frame in the form
of a base 12 on which is supported a open-faced tub 14, which at
least partially defines a treating chamber 16, having an open face
18, for receiving the dishes. A closure in the form of a door
assembly 20 is pivotally mounted to the base 12 for movement
between opened and closed positions to selectively open and close
the open face 18 of the tub 14. Thus, the door assembly 20 provides
selective accessibility to the treating chamber 16 for the loading
and unloading of dishes or other items.
[0016] The chassis, as in the case of the built-in dishwasher
implementation, can be formed by other parts of the dishwasher 10,
like the tub 14 and the door assembly 20, in addition to a
dedicated frame structure, like the base 12, with them all
collectively forming a uni-body frame to which the variety of
systems are supported. In other implementations, like the
drawer-type dishwasher, the chassis can be a tub that is slidable
relative to a frame, with the closure being a part of the chassis
or the countertop of the surrounding cabinetry. In a sink-type
implementation, the sink forms the tub and the cover closing the
open top of the sink forms the closure. Sink-type implementations
are more commonly found in recreational vehicles.
[0017] The systems supported by the chassis, while essentially
limitless, can include dish holding system 30, spray system 40,
recirculation system 50, drain system 60, water supply system 70,
drying system 80, heating system 90, and filter system 100. These
systems are used to implement one or more treating cycles of
operation for the dishes, for which there are many, and one of
which includes a traditional automatic wash cycle.
[0018] A basic traditional automatic wash cycle of operation has a
wash phase, where a detergent/water mixture is recirculated and
then drained, which is then followed by a rinse phase where water
alone or with a rinse agent is recirculated and then drained. An
optional drying phase can follow the rinse phase. More commonly,
the automatic wash cycle has multiple wash phases and multiple
rinse phases. The multiple wash phases can include a pre-wash phase
where water, with or without detergent, is sprayed or recirculated
on the dishes, and can include a dwell or soaking phase. There can
be more than one pre-wash phases. A wash phase, where water with
detergent is recirculated on the dishes, follows the pre-wash
phases. There can be more than one wash phase; the number of which
can be sensor controlled based on the amount of sensed soils in the
wash liquid. One or more rinse phases will follow the wash
phase(s), and, in some cases, come between wash phases. The number
of wash phases can also be sensor controlled based on the amount of
sensed soils in the rinse liquid. The wash phases and rinse phases
can included the heating of the water, even to the point of one or
more of the phases being hot enough for long enough to sanitize the
dishes. A drying phase can follow the rinse phase(s). The drying
phase can include a drip dry, heated dry, condensing dry, air dry
or any combination.
[0019] A controller 22 can also be included in the dishwasher 10
and operably couples with and controls the various components of
the dishwasher 10 to implement the cycle of operation. The
controller 22 can be located within the door assembly 20 as
illustrated, or it can alternatively be located somewhere within
the chassis. The controller 22 can also be operably coupled with a
control panel or user interface 24 for receiving user-selected
inputs and communicating information to the user. The user
interface 24 can include operational controls such as dials,
lights, switches, and displays enabling a user to input commands,
such as a cycle of operation, to the controller 22 and receive
information.
[0020] The dish holding system 30 can include any suitable
structure for holding dishes within the treating chamber 16.
Exemplary dish holders are illustrated in the form of upper dish
racks 32 and lower dish rack 34, commonly referred to as "racks,"
which are located within the treating chamber 16. The upper dish
racks 32 and the lower dish rack 34 are typically mounted for
slidable movement in to and out of the treating chamber 16 through
the open face 18 for ease of loading and unloading. Drawer
guides/slides/rails 36 are typically used to slidably mount the
upper dish rack 32 to the tub 14. The lower dish rack 34 typically
has wheels or rollers 38 that roll along rails 39 formed in
sidewalls of the tub 14 and onto the door assembly 20, when the
door assembly 20 is in the opened position.
[0021] Dedicated dish holders can also be provided. One such
dedicated dish holder is a third level rack 28 located above the
upper dish rack 32. Like the upper dish rack 32, the third level
rack is slidably mounted to the tub 14 with drawer
guides/slides/rails 36. The third level rack 28 is typically used
to hold dishes in the form of utensils, such as tableware, spoons,
knives, spatulas, etc., in an on-the-side or flat orientation.
However, the third level rack 28 is not limited to holding
utensils. If an item can fit in the third level rack, it can be
washed in the third level rack 28. The third level rack 28
generally has a much shorter height or lower profile than the upper
and lower dish racks 32, 34. Typically, the height of the third
level rack is short enough that a typical glass cannot be stood
vertically in the third level rack 28 and have the third level rack
28 still slide into the treating chamber 16.
[0022] Another dedicated dish holder can be a silverware basket
(not shown), which is typically carried by one of the upper or
lower dish racks 32, 34 or mounted to the door assembly 20. The
silverware basket typically holds utensils and the like in an
upright orientation as compared to the on-the-side or flat
orientation of the third level rack 28.
[0023] A dispenser assembly 48 is provided to dispense treating
chemistry, e.g. detergent, rinse agent, anti-spotting agent, etc.,
into the treating chamber 16. The dispenser assembly 48 can be
mounted on an inner surface of the door assembly 20, as shown, or
can be located at other positions within the chassis. The dispenser
assembly 48 can dispense one or more types of treating chemistries.
The dispenser assembly 48 can be a single-use dispenser or a bulk
dispenser, or a combination of both.
[0024] Turning to FIG. 2, the spray system 40 is provided for
spraying liquid in the treating chamber 16 and can have multiple
spray assemblies or sprayers, some of which can be dedicated to a
particular one of the dish holders, to a particular area of a dish
holder, to a particular type of cleaning, or to a particular level
of cleaning, etc. The sprayers can be fixed or movable, such as
rotating, relative to the treating chamber 16 or dish holder. Six
exemplary sprayers are illustrated and include, an upper spray arm
41, a lower spray arm 42, a third level sprayer 43, a deep-clean
sprayer 44, and a spot sprayer 45. The upper spray arm 41 and lower
spray arm 42 are rotating spray arms, located below the upper dish
rack 32 and lower dish rack 34, respectively, and rotate about a
generally centrally located and vertical axis. The third level
sprayer 43 is located above the third level rack 28 about a
longitudinal axis. The third level sprayer 43 is illustrated as
being fixed, but could move, such as in rotating. In addition to
the third level sprayer 43 or in place of the third level sprayer
43, the sprayer 129 can be located at least in part below a portion
of the third level rack 28. The sprayer 129 is illustrated as a
fixed tube, carried by the third level rack 28, but could move,
such as in rotating about a longitudinal axis.
[0025] The deep-clean sprayer 44 is a manifold extending along a
rear wall of the tub 14 and has multiple nozzles 46, with multiple
apertures 47, generating an intensified and/or higher pressure
spray than the upper spray arm 41, the lower spray arm 42, or the
third level sprayer 43. The nozzles 46 can be fixed or move, such
as in rotating. The spray emitted by the deep-clean sprayer 44
defines a deep clean zone, which in the illustrated example can be
defined along a rear side of the lower dish rack 34. Thus, dishes
needing deep cleaning, such as dishes with baked-on food, can be
located in the lower dish rack 34 to face the deep-clean sprayer
44. The deep-clean sprayer 44, while illustrated as only one unit
on a rear wall of the tub 14 could comprises multiple units and/or
extend along multiple portions, including different walls, of the
tub 14, and can be provide above, below or beside any of the dish
holders where deep-cleaning is desired.
[0026] The spot sprayer 45, like the deep-clean sprayer, can emit
an intensified and/or higher pressure spray, especially to a
discrete location within one of the dish holders. While the spot
sprayer 45 is shown below the lower dish rack 34, it could be
adjacent any part of any dish holder or along any wall of the tub
where special cleaning is desired. In the illustrated location
below the lower dish rack 34, the spot sprayer can be used
independently of or in combination with the lower spray arm 42. The
spot sprayer 45 can be fixed or can move, such as in rotating.
[0027] These six sprayers are illustrative examples of suitable
sprayers and are not meant to be limiting as to the type of
suitable sprayers.
[0028] The recirculation system 50 recirculates the liquid sprayed
into the treating chamber 16 by the sprayers of the spray system 40
back to the sprayers to form a recirculation loop or circuit by
which liquid can be repeatedly and/or continuously sprayed onto
dishes in the dish holders. The recirculation system 50 can include
a sump 51 and a pump assembly 52. The sump 51 collects the liquid
sprayed in the treating chamber 16 and can be formed by a sloped or
recess portion of a bottom wall of the tub 14. The pump assembly 52
can include one or more pumps such as recirculation pump 53. The
sump 51 can also be a separate module that is affixed to the bottom
wall and includes the pump assembly 52.
[0029] Multiple supply conduits 54, 55, 56, 57, 58 fluidly couple
the sprayers 28-44 to the recirculation pump 53. A recirculation
valve 59 can selectively fluidly couple each of the conduits 54-58
to the recirculation pump 53. While each sprayer 28-44 is
illustrated as having a corresponding dedicated supply conduit
54-58 one or more subsets, comprising multiple sprayers from the
total group of sprayers 28-44, can be supplied by the same conduit,
negating the need for a dedicated conduit for each sprayer. For
example, a single conduit can supply the upper spray arm 41 and the
third level sprayer 43. Another example is that the sprayer 129 is
supplied liquid by the conduit 56, which also supplies the third
level sprayer 43.
[0030] The recirculation valve 59, while illustrated as a single
valve, can be implemented with multiple valves. Additionally, one
or more of the conduits can be directly coupled to the
recirculation pump 53, while one or more of the other conduits can
be selectively coupled to the recirculation pump with one or more
valves. There are essentially an unlimited number of plumbing
schemes to connect the recirculation system 50 to the spray system
40. The illustrated plumbing is not limiting.
[0031] A drain system 60 drains liquid from the treating chamber
16. The drain system 60 includes a drain pump 62 fluidly coupled
the treating chamber 16 to a drain line 64. As illustrated the
drain pump 62 fluidly couples the sump 51 to the drain line 64.
[0032] While separate recirculation and drain pumps 53 and 62 are
illustrated, a single pump can be used to perform both the
recirculating and the draining functions. Alternatively, the drain
pump 62 can be used to recirculate liquid in combination with the
recirculation pump 53. When both a recirculation pump 53 and drain
pump 62 are used, the drain pump 62 is typically more robust than
the recirculation pump 53 as the drain pump 62 tends to have to
remove solids and soils from the sump 51, unlike the recirculation
pump 53, which tends to recirculate liquid which has solids and
soils filtered away to some extent.
[0033] A water supply system 70 is provided for supplying fresh
water to the dishwasher 10 from a household water supply via a
household water valve 71. The water supply system 70 includes a
water supply unit 72 having a water supply conduit 73 with a siphon
break 74. While the water supply conduit 73 can be directly fluidly
coupled to the tub 14 or any other portion of the dishwasher 10,
the water supply conduit is shown fluidly coupled to a supply tank
75, which can store the supplied water prior to use. The supply
tank 75 is fluidly coupled to the sump 51 by a supply line 76,
which can include a controllable valve 77 to control when water is
released from the supply tank 75 to the sump 51.
[0034] The supply tank 75 can be conveniently sized to store a
predetermined volume of water, such as a volume required for a
phase of the cycle of operation, which is commonly referred to as a
"charge" of water. The storing of the water in the supply tank 75
prior to use is beneficial in that the water in the supply tank 75
can be "treated" in some manner, such as softening or heating prior
to use.
[0035] A water softener 78 is provided with the water supply system
70 to soften the fresh water. The water softener 78 is shown
fluidly coupling the water supply conduit 73 to the supply tank 75
so that the supplied water automatically passes through the water
softener 78 on the way to the supply tank 75. However, the water
softener 78 could directly supply the water to any other part of
the dishwasher 10 than the supply tank 75, including directly
supplying the tub 14. Alternatively, the water softener 78 can be
fluidly coupled downstream of the supply tank 75, such as in-line
with the supply line 76. Wherever the water softener 78 is fluidly
coupled, it can be done so with controllable valves, such that the
use of the water softener 78 is controllable and not mandatory.
[0036] A drying system 80 is provided to aid in the drying of the
dishes during the drying phase. The drying system as illustrated
includes a condensing assembly 81 having a condenser 82 formed of a
serpentine conduit 83 with an inlet fluidly coupled to an upper
portion of the tub 14 and an outlet fluidly coupled to a lower
portion of the tub 14, whereby moisture laden air within the tub 14
is drawn from the upper portion of the tub 14, passed through the
serpentine conduit 83, where liquid condenses out of the moisture
laden air and is returned to the treating chamber 16 where it
ultimately evaporates or is drained via the drain pump 62. The
serpentine conduit 83 can be operated in an open loop
configuration, where the air is exhausted to atmosphere, a closed
loop configuration, where the air is returned to the treating
chamber, or a combination of both by operating in one configuration
and then the other configuration.
[0037] To enhance the rate of condensation, the temperature
difference between the exterior of the serpentine conduit 83 and
the moisture laden air can be increased by cooling the exterior of
the serpentine conduit 83 or the surrounding air. To accomplish
this, an optional cooling tank 84 is added to the condensing
assembly 81, with the serpentine conduit 83 being located within
the cooling tank 84. The cooling tank 84 is fluidly coupled to at
least one of the spray system 40, recirculation system 50, drain
system 60, or water supply system 70 such that liquid can be
supplied to the cooling tank 84. The liquid provided to the cooling
tank 84 from any of the systems 40-70 can be selected by source
and/or by phase of cycle of operation such that the liquid is at a
lower temperature than the moisture laden air or even lower than
the ambient air.
[0038] As illustrated, the liquid is supplied to the cooling tank
84 by the drain system 60. A valve 85 fluidly connects the drain
line 64 to a supply conduit 86 fluidly coupled to the cooling tank
84. A return conduit 87 fluidly connects the cooling tank 84 back
to the treating chamber 16 via a return valve 79. In this way a
fluid circuit is formed by the drain pump 62, drain line 64, valve
85, supply conduit 86, cooling tank 84, return valve 79 and return
conduit 87 through which liquid can be supplied from the treating
chamber 16, to the cooling tank 84, and back to the treating
chamber 16. Alternatively, the supply conduit 86 could fluidly
couple to the drain line 64 if re-use of the water is not
desired.
[0039] To supply cold water from the household water supply via the
household water valve 71 to the cooling tank 84, the water supply
system 70 would first supply cold water to the treating chamber 16,
then the drain system 60 would supply the cold water in the
treating chamber 16 to the cooling tank 84. It should be noted that
the supply tank 75 and cooling tank 84 could be configured such
that one tank performs both functions.
[0040] The drying system 80 can use ambient air, instead of cold
water, to cool the exterior of the serpentine conduit 83. In such a
configuration, a blower 88 is connected to the cooling tank 84 and
can supply ambient air to the interior of the cooling tank 84. The
cooling tank 84 can have a vented top 89 to permit the passing
through of the ambient air to allow for a steady flow of ambient
air blowing over the serpentine conduit 83.
[0041] The cooling air from the blower 88 can be used in lieu of
the cold water or in combination with the cold water. The cooling
air will be used when the cooling tank 84 is not filled with
liquid. Advantageously, the use of cooling air or cooling water, or
combination of both, can be selected on the site-specific
environmental conditions. If ambient air is cooler than the cold
water temperature, then the ambient air can be used. If the cold
water is cooler than the ambient air, then the cold water can be
used. Cost-effectiveness can also be taken into account when
selecting between cooling air and cooling water. The blower 88 can
be used to dry the interior of the cooling tank 84 after the water
has been drained. Suitable temperature sensors for the cold water
and the ambient air can be provided and send their temperature
signals to the controller 22, which can determine which of the two
is colder at any time or phase of the cycle of operation.
[0042] A heating system 90 is provided for heating water used in
the cycle of operation. The heating system 90 includes a heater 92,
such as an immersion heater, located in the treating chamber 16 at
a location where it will be immersed by the water supplied to the
treating chamber 16. The heater 92 need not be an immersion heater,
it can also be an in-line heater located in any of the conduits.
There can also be more than one heater 92, including both an
immersion heater and an in-line heater.
[0043] The heating system 90 can also include a heating circuit 93,
which includes a heat exchanger 94, illustrated as a serpentine
conduit 95, located within the supply tank 75, with a supply
conduit 96 supplying liquid from the treating chamber 16 to the
serpentine conduit 95, and a return conduit 97 fluidly coupled to
the treating chamber 16. The heating circuit 93 is fluidly coupled
to the recirculation pump 53 either directly or via the
recirculation valve 59 such that liquid that is heated as part of a
cycle of operation can be recirculated through the heat exchanger
94 to transfer the heat to the charge of fresh water residing in
the supply tank 75. As most wash phases use liquid that is heated
by the heater 92, this heated liquid can then be recirculated
through the heating circuit 93 to transfer the heat to the charge
of water in the supply tank 75, which is typically used in the next
phase of the cycle of operation.
[0044] A filter system 100 is provided to filter un-dissolved
solids from the liquid in the treating chamber 16. The filter
system 100 includes a coarse filter 102 and a fine filter 104,
which can be a removable basket 106 residing the sump 51, with the
coarse filter 102 being a screen 108 circumscribing the removable
basket 106. Additionally, the recirculation system 50 can include a
rotating filter in addition to or in place of the either or both of
the coarse filter 102 and fine filter 104. Other filter
arrangements are contemplated such as an ultrafiltration
system.
[0045] As illustrated schematically in FIG. 3, the controller 22
can be coupled with the heater 92 for heating the wash liquid
during a cycle of operation, the drain pump 62 for draining liquid
from the treating chamber 16, and the recirculation pump 53 for
recirculating the wash liquid during the cycle of operation. The
controller 22 can be provided with a memory 110 and a central
processing unit (CPU) 112. The memory 110 can be used for storing
control software that can be executed by the CPU 112 in completing
a cycle of operation using the dishwasher 10 and any additional
software. For example, the memory 110 can store one or more
pre-programmed automatic cycles of operation that can be selected
by a user and executed by the dishwasher 10. The controller 22 can
also receive input from one or more sensors 114. Non-limiting
examples of sensors that can be communicably coupled with the
controller 22 include, to name a few, ambient air temperature
sensor, treating chamber temperature sensor, water supply
temperature sensor, door open/close sensor, and turbidity sensor to
determine the soil load associated with a selected grouping of
dishes, such as the dishes associated with a particular area of the
treating chamber. The controller 22 can also communicate with the
recirculation valve 59, the household water valve 71, the
controllable valve 77, the return valve 79, and the valve 85.
Optionally, the controller 22 can include or communicate with a
wireless communication device 116.
[0046] FIG. 4 illustrates a sump assembly 120 that can be included
in the dishwasher 10 and includes among other things, the sump 51
and a recirculation outlet 122 configured to receive liquid from
the recirculation pump 53 and where the recirculation outlet 122
can be configured to fluidly couple with the recirculation valve 59
and the multiple supply conduits 54, 55, 56, 57, 58. In the
illustrated example, the sump 51 is defined by a peripheral wall
extending upwards from a base.
[0047] A drain assembly 124 is also illustrated and includes the
drain pump 62, the drain line 64, a volute 130, and a check valve
assembly 140. As illustrated portions of the sump assembly 120 can
be a unitary body including that the volute 130 can be unitarily
formed with the sump 51. By way of non-limiting example, the volute
130 can have a first portion 131 that operably couples to the drain
pump 62, a second portion 132 illustrated as a rear surface
includes an opening 133 that fluidly couples the volute 130 to the
sump 51 and an air vent 134. While the opening 133 is D-shaped; it
is contemplated that openings having other shapes could be used.
The example air vent 134 is configured to allow for air to pass
therethrough, thereby reducing or preventing air lock conditions.
By allowing air to escape, multiple starts and stops of the drain
pump 62 can be reduced or eliminated, which may increase customer
satisfaction.
[0048] The volute 130 can have and a discharge outlet 138 having an
opening 139 within the volute 130 and is operably coupled with the
drain line 64. More specifically the drain line 64 is illustrated
as a hose that can be inserted within the discharge outlet 138.
While not specifically shown, it will be understood that an
impeller of the drain pump 62 fluidly couples the volute 130 and
can be at least partially received within the volute 130, as the
volute 130 is the casing that receives the fluid being pumped by
the impeller. Further still a diameter 136 of the volute 130 is
illustrated.
[0049] A check valve assembly 140 for the drain pump 62 is also
illustrated and includes a seat assembly 142 and a flapper assembly
144. The check valve assembly 140 includes a stop feature 158 that
is configured to prevent over-insertion of the drain line 64 beyond
a predetermined point in the discharge outlet 138. As illustrated,
a distal end 64a of the drain line 64 abuts the stop feature 158
and is prevent from further insertion thereby.
[0050] FIG. 5 illustrates the seat assembly 142 and the flapper
assembly 144 in an exploded view so both can be more easily seen. A
body 146 of the seat assembly 142 extends between a first distal
end 148 and a second distal end 147. A valve seat 160 is formed in
a portion of the body 146 and the first distal end 148 extends
lengthwise beyond the valve seat 160 to define an extension 158a
defining the hose stop feature 158. The extension 158a has a
concave upper surface and is configured to prevent insertion of the
drain hose 64 past the first distal end 148.
[0051] An inner diameter 149 of the body 146 defines a fluid
passage 150 extending through the body 146. The fluid passage 150
extends through the valve seat 160 and a sealing surface of the
valve seat 160 extends about the fluid passage 150. It will be
understood that the body 146 of the seat assembly 142 is
illustrated merely in a non-limiting example and that any suitable
body can be utilized. In the illustrated example an outside profile
151 of the body 146 includes a first rib 152 spaced from a second
rib 153 forming a catch 154 there between. It will be understood
that neither the first rib 152 nor the second rib 153 need be
formed the entire way around the outside profile 151 of the body
146 of the seat assembly 142. Further still, the first rib 152
and/or the second rib 153 can have varying contours about the
outside profile 151 of the body 146 of the seat assembly 142. In
the illustrated example, the second rib 153 is not fully formed at
an upper portion of the body 146 to allow for portions of the
flapper assembly 144.
[0052] An alignment feature 156 is also provided on the outside
profile of the body 146 of the seat assembly 142. The alignment
feature 156 is configured to aid in placement of the check valve
assembly 140 within the pump discharge passageway 138. More
specifically, the alignment feature 156 is illustrated as a first
contour that is complementary to a second contour within a portion
of the pump discharge passageway 138. It will be understood that
the alignment feature 156 can be any suitable alignment feature. In
the instant case the outside perimeter includes a concave contour,
profile, or shape forming the alignment feature and a portion of
the second distal end and the pump discharge passageway includes a
convex contour complementary to the alignment feature 156.
[0053] A body 162 of the flapper assembly 144 includes a ring 164
having an inner diameter 166 that can be fit about the catch 154
such that the ring 164 can be retained between the first rib 152
and the second rib 153. A hinge 168 is operably coupled to ring 164
and extends therefrom and operably couples a flapper portion or
moveable portion 170 having a sealing face 172 to the ring 164.
[0054] As better seen in the cross-section of FIG. 6 the sealing
face 172 of the moveable portion of the flapper assembly 144 has a
larger diameter than a diameter of the valve seat 160. The moveable
portion 170 of the flapper assembly 144 is moveable between a
sealed position and an opened position (shown in phantom). In the
sealed position or closed position, the sealing face 172 abuts the
valve seat 160 and a seal is formed at 174. More specifically, the
hinge 168 allows the moveable portion 170 to pivot upwards and
downwards at the hinge 168. In the opened position (shown in
phantom), the sealing face 172 is generally horizontal and aligned
with the hinge 168 such that the moveable portion 170 allows for a
flow of liquid through the check valve assembly 140. It can also be
seen that the extension 158a, which forms the stop feature 158, has
a length that is at least even with an extent of the moveable
portion 170 when it is located in the opened position (shown in
phantom). The concave profile of the stop feature 158 also allows
for movement of the moveable portion 170 there above.
[0055] Also illustrated is that the ring 164 of the flapper
assembly also includes a keyed extension 176 that can be received
within a corresponding groove portion of the outside profile 151 of
the body 146 of the seat assembly 142 such the flapper assembly 144
can be properly aligned on the seat assembly 142. It is
contemplated that the body 162 of the flapper assembly 144 can be a
unitary body, The body 162 of the flapper assembly can be formed
from any suitable material including, by way of non-limiting
example, silicone, which would allow for the ring 164 to be placed
within the catch and for the hinge 168 to move during operation
without tearing.
[0056] FIG. 7 illustrates the flapper assembly 144 operably coupled
to the seat assembly 142 with the ring 164 located between the
first rib 152 and the second rib 153. The view illustrated shows
the second distal end 147 of the body 146 of the seat assembly 142
in more clarity. More specifically it can be seen that an outermost
edge 180 of the distal end is countered and not round. A ramped
portion 182 leads from the outer edge 180 to an entrance 184 to the
fluid passage 150 formed within the body 146 of the seat assembly
142. It will be understood that a portion of the alignment feature
156 aids in shaping the outer edge 180 and the ramped portion 182
although this need not be the case. The outer edge 180 and ramped
portion 182 form a portion of a geometry of the volute 130 when the
check valve assembly 140 is located properly within the discharge
outlet 138. This can be more clearly seen with respect to FIG. 8,
which illustrates that the check valve assembly 140 has been press
fit into the discharge outlet 138 and the outer edge 180 of the
second distal end 147 of the body 146 of the seat assembly 142 is
within the opening 139 of the discharge outlet 138, extends fully
around the opening 139, and sealingly abutted therewith. The outer
edge 180 and ramped portion 182 of the second distal end 147 of the
body 146 of the seat assembly 142 forms a portion of the geometry
of the volute 130. In the illustrated example, the second distal
end 147 of the check valve assembly 140 is formed such that a
profile of the volute 130 is not round. This is particularly
beneficial during operation because the change in contour provided
to the volute 130 by the second distal end 147 allows for increased
operation efficiency as opposed to a round volute. Further still
the diameter 136 of the volute 130 having the contour provided by
the second distal end 147 at the discharge outlet 138 can be
decreased in size as compared to that of a round volute. More
specifically, in the illustrated example, a 10 mm decrease in
diameter (From 60 mm to 50 mm) in the volute 130 can be achieved
over a round volute and a gain of 5 mm of compression can be
achieved.
[0057] During operation, liquid is moved from the sump 51, through
the opening 133 and into the volute 130 via the impeller of the
drain pump 62. The profile of the second distal end 147 of the body
146 of the seat assembly 142 aids in priming the drain pump 62 and
increases the performance of the drain pump 62. The impeller of the
drain pump 62 in turn pushes the liquid through the discharge
outlet 138 and the check valve assembly 140. More specifically, the
liquid is pushed against the moveable portion 170, which rotates
the moveable portion 170 on the hinge 168 from the closed position
to the opened position to allow liquid to flow to the drain line
64.
[0058] When operation of the drain pump 62 ceases, the force
created by the liquid on the moveable portion 170 also stops and
the moveable portion 170 returns to the closed position where the
sealing face 172 abuts the valve seat 160 to form a seal that
prevents liquid from entering from the drain line 64 into the
volute 130. In this manner the check valve assembly 140 prevents
dirty water from entering back into the sump assembly 120.
[0059] The inclusion of the volute geometry simplifies the design
of the pump volute, while also allowing for changes to the
discharge area of the volute by modification of the check valve
assembly. This is desirable for making changes in pump performance
based on application-specific design criteria, such as pumping
efficiency, power consumption, noise level or quality, and passage
of objects. The integral stop feature eliminates the problem of an
over-inserted connecting hose keeping the check valve from opening
completely which would cause pump inefficiency and susceptibility
to clogging by foreign objects. Existing pumps do not incorporate
part of the pump volute in the valve assembly, precluding simple
changes to pump discharge geometry. Existing check valve assemblies
do not have an integral hose insertion depth stop. The check valve
body also includes a feature to ensure correct alignment in the
pump assembly. The check valve assembly components are preassembled
and pressed into place in the pump discharge nozzle, allowing for a
simple assembly operation during manufacturing. In the illustrated
example, a portion of the volute 130 lies below a plane defined by
the base of the sump 51 of the sump assembly 120. Aspects of the
present disclosure allow for a compressed size in both vertical and
horizontal directions of the drain assembly, while maintaining pump
efficiency. For example a majority of the volute 130 has been
illustrated above a plane defined by the base of the sump 51. The
overall height of the pump and sump assemblies was compressed
roughly an additional 5 mm with no loss in drain pump performance.
Additional side benefits may include simplified tooling of the
drain volute and reduced assembly torque due to reduced seal
diameter.
[0060] Aspects of the present disclosure provide a variety of
benefits including improvements to manufacturability and modularity
of the drain pump assembly. The ability to change the profile of
the volute using the second distal end of the check valve assembly
geometry allows for the ability to design or optimize the pump
performance based on design criteria including desired pumping
efficiency, desired power consumption, desired noise level, desired
noise quality, and passage of objects. Further still, inclusion of
the volute geometry simplifies the design of the pump volute
itself, while also allowing for changes to the discharge area of
the volute by modification of the check valve assembly. In this
manner the sump assembly having the simplified volute can be used
in a variety of applications and changes can be provided by merely
changing the check valve assembly. Further still, the extension on
the check valve assembly valve body prevents over-insertion of a
connecting hose such as a drain line or the household drain. This
in turn improves performance of the assembly by allowing the
moveable portion or flapper of the check valve assembly to open
fully when the drain pump is operating because hose over insertion
is prevented. The inability to fully open would cause pump
inefficiency and susceptibility to clogging by foreign objects.
[0061] To the extent not already described, the different features
and structures of the various aspects can be used in combination
with each other as desired. That one feature cannot be illustrated
in all of the aspects is not meant to be construed that it cannot
be, but is done for brevity of description. Thus, the various
features of the different aspects can be mixed and matched as
desired to form new aspects, whether or not the new aspects are
expressly described. Combinations or permutations of features
described herein are covered by this disclosure.
[0062] This written description uses examples to disclose aspects
of the disclosure, including the best mode, and also to enable any
person skilled in the art to practice aspects of the disclosure,
including making and using any devices or systems and performing
any incorporated methods. While aspects of the disclosure have been
specifically described in connection with certain specific details
thereof, it is to be understood that this is by way of illustration
and not of limitation. Reasonable variation and modification are
possible within the scope of the forgoing disclosure and drawings
without departing from the spirit of the disclosure, which is
defined in the appended claims.
* * * * *